Town Council Meeting – June 23, 2026

The Leesburg Town Council met on June 23, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber. The meeting included approval of the consent agenda, three resolutions, and four public hearings. All items were approved, with one abstention and one recusal on the 212 South King Street special exception.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously (7-0) the following items:
  • Tree Bank Reserve for FY2027 tree maintenance.
  • Awarding FY2027 microsurfacing contract to Superior Paving Corporation.
  • Leesburg Bypass (Route 7/15) water line.
  • Chesapeake Bay TMDL Phase III design contract awards.
  • Collective bargaining agreement with Southern States Police Benevolent Association.
  • Re-authorization of contract with Axon Enterprise, Inc. for Leesburg Police Department.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Suzanne Larkins (3 Royal Street SE) spoke during the public hearing on 212 South King Street, criticizing the applicant’s compliance history and alleging the town accommodated requests despite violations. She noted a stop-work order, lack of permits, and questioned whether approval would reward improper conduct.
• Sunny Rahija (owner of 39 Siclin Road SE) spoke in support of the floodplain amendments, requesting that his property be included in the by-right fill provisions to facilitate a proposed office building. He thanked the planning commission for their earlier consideration.

Discussion Items

• Rock Spring Farm (Resolution 13A): Staff presented a plan to open the sledding hill as a passive park and requested $186,000 supplemental appropriation ($87,000 recurring, $99,000 one-time) from the general fund unassigned balance. Council approved 7-0.
• Police Directed Towing Advisory Board (Resolution 13B): Gabriela Jimenez (LPD) explained the need to regulate tow rates due to complaints of excessive charges. The board would include law enforcement, two towing companies, and a citizen. Council approved 7-0.
• Route 15 Bypass/Edwards Ferry Interchange Repayment (Resolution 13C): Doug Wagner reported the project is on hold due to lack of funding. NVTA requested repayment of $2,924,667 in expended design funds; VDOT agreed to reimburse the town. Council approved 7-0 contingent on VDOT reimbursement.
• 212 South King Street (Public Hearing 14a): Special exception to allow six multifamily units (one more than by-right). Staff recommended approval with modifications to reduce open space to zero and active recreation to 844 sq ft. Applicant Kevin Ash defended the project. Council members questioned the process and past violations. The motion passed 5-0-1 with Mayor Nacy abstaining and Councilmember Wilt recused.
• Floodplain Amendments (Public Hearings 14b, 14c, 14d): Three related items to allow mixed-use, parking structures, and by-right fill in designated floodplain areas of downtown Town Branch and Tuscarora Creek. Staff presented the changes and noted support from FEMA and DCR. Council approved all three unanimously (7-0) after hearing public comment from Sunny Rahija.

Key Outcomes

• Rock Spring Farm: Approved $186,000 supplemental appropriation; staff will bring future development discussions to the August 24 work session.
• Towing Advisory Board: Approved resolution to establish the board; board to create proposed contract/ordinance language for council consideration.
• Route 15 Interchange: Approved repayment to NVTA ($2,924,667) contingent on receiving matching funds from VDOT; project remains on hold indefinitely.
• 212 South King Street: Approved special exception for six multifamily units with modifications; vote 5-0-1 (Mayor abstaining, one member recused).
• Floodplain Zoning Amendments: Approved all three ordinance amendments (zoning, DCSM, SLDR) to permit mixed-use, parking, and by-right fill in specified floodplain areas; implementation subject to FEMA and DCR approval.